Laconia Airport Authority

LACONIA AIRPORT AUTHORITY 65 AVIATION DRIVE GILFORD, NH 03249 (603)524-5003 * FAX (603)528-0428 www.laconiaairport.com RECORD OF MEETING Thursday, November 16, 2023, 16:00L Terminal Conference Room Vice Chairman Eddy called the meeting to order at 16:02. ROLL CALL:  PRESENT: Mr. Eddy, Ms. Weeks, Mr. Tierno, Mr. Cotter, Mr. Spanos  ABSENT: Mr. Hosmer, Mr. Larrere*, Ms. VieBrooks, Mr. Dodge  GUESTS: Lee Avery, Steve LaBonte AGENDA: 1. Action on approval of 10/19/2023 Meeting minutes. MOTION: Upon a motion by Ms. Weeks, seconded by Mr. Cotter, the minutes of the October 19, 2023, meeting were unanimously approved as submitted by the recording secretary. *NOTE: Mr. Larrere joined the meeting at 16:08. 2. Public Input a. Mr. LaBonte raised concerns regarding the 15 Airport Road property and its condition as an invitation to unwanted attention and dumping of miscellaneous materials. Also, a problem with the state of Taxiway Alpha with the large cracks and long grass resulted in a discussion of how/when to address these issues. The LAA agreed to discuss the mitigation of cracks & mowing of long grass at the Jan. 2024 meeting 3. Review of Finances – The manager led a discussion regarding the finances. 4. AIP Projects Update a. SBG-15 Obstruction Removal – Plans are underway to complete the project with the arrival of colder weather, which will hopefully firm up the ground and enable the traffic of the equipment. However, clearing the trees west of the end of the bypass will necessitate using a crane, resulting in the runway being closed for as long as three days in January.  b. SBG-20 Perimeter Fence – Our environmental scientist is investigating the possibility of redesignating some of the prime wetlands to allow fence construction. c. CROSSWINDS Development i. RFI – Ms. Weeks is preparing the RFI to announce the RFP. ii. RFP – Mr. Tierno led a discussion to the effect that the RFP will be available on December 1st, with responses due by January 2nd. 5. Old Business a. 15 Airport Rd. – We are waiting for the involved parties to agree. b. Airport Sig n – Belknap Landscaping reinstalled the sign in its new location. c. Airport Safety Concern - Mr. Cotter led a discussion regarding the airport safety concerns that Mr. DiDonna raised in the October meeting. Mr. Cotter offered to write a letter in response to Mr. DiDonna. d. RE: Mt. Washington Regional Airport Transfer of AIP/NPE FUNDS – We await NHDOT BA’s response to the next step. e. RE: Lot 4 – In the discussion, Mr. Tierno gave a reminder of the timeline to the effect that, 1) As recorded in the October 19, 2023 Meeting Minutes, “A local businessman/pilot is requesting permission to have an engineering firm do a study regarding constructing a hangar on Lot 4.” 2) The LAA granted approval contingent on the work product being made available to the LAA. 3) The individual requested that the LAA grant him the right of first refusal as he would be investing substantial funds for the study. 4) The Chairman of the LAA directed that we inform the individual that LAA is not marketing the lot. 5) Mr. Tierno responded that the Chair was not authorized to make a unilateral decision on behalf of the LAA. 6) The directive was rescinded, and the issue was added to the November 16, 2023 meeting agenda. 7) By consensus, it was decided that the LAA would seek advice from our attorney regarding the legalities of a right of first refusal. 6. New Business a. Authorization to sign Snow Removal Contract – the manager is seeking approval for the Vice Chairman to sign the Snow Removal Contract for the 2023 – 2024 season. MOTION: Upon a motion by Mr. Tierno, seconded by Ms. Weeks, the Authority approved for the Vice Chairman to sign the Snow Removal Contract for the 2023 – 2024 season by a vote of 5 in favor – one abstention; Mr. Eddy abstained. 7. Other Business – There was none. 8. Next Scheduled Meeting: December 21, 2023 9. Adjournment at: MOTION: Upon a motion by Ms. Weeks, seconded by Mr. Cotter, the meeting adjourned by unanimous vote at 17:26.